Welcome to my first blog.  I’ve been covering Georgia’s gas crisis for the past two weeks, and I thought it was time to write about what I’ve been doing.

 

I sympathize with anyone who has had to search for a station with gas, wait in a long line waiting for gas, or wondered how they’re going to do their daily activities if they don’t find it. 

 

I was working for a station in Mobile, Alabama when hurricane Katrina struck on August, 29, 2005.  I was in eastern Louisiana in the eye of the storm when it came ashore.  I know firsthand how bad the gas situation was along the Gulf Coast.  And I’ve heard stories about metro Atlanta from that time…the price gouging and running out of gas to sell. 

 

We’re in a similar situation, only this time experts tell me its worse.   We’ve been asking the tough questions to try to get answers people are looking for.  We are asking our elected officials why and how this happened, and with the foresight of the storms of 2005, why wasn’t there a better plan in place to prevent it?  How do we prevent it from happening again?       

 

So far I have been able to avoid waiting in line for gas.  It has been 15 days since I filled up my tank.  I have a small car with a 10 gallon tank, which fortunately gets good gas mileage.  I live close to work and I’ve cut out all unnecessary driving.  I’m now at half a tank.  When I see stations with gas I have to admit, I have been tempted to get in line and wait like the rest of metro Atlanta drivers.  Since I don’t need a lot of gas on a daily basis, I decided to ride this out and not “top off.” I’m going to see just how long my tank of gas will last.  It’s definitely been a lesson in self control.  I hope there’s gas when I’m on empty.      

If you have a question you want answered please reply or email me at jennifer.mayerle@cbs46.com